SELF-CLEANING CONDUITS FOR HYDROCARBON FLUIDS

Organization Name

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY

Inventor(s)

Ravindra Shankar Ganiger of Bengaluru (IN)

Scott Alan Schimmels of Miamisburg OH (US)

Hiranya Nath of Bengaluru (IN)

SELF-CLEANING CONDUITS FOR HYDROCARBON FLUIDS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18319179 titled 'SELF-CLEANING CONDUITS FOR HYDROCARBON FLUIDS

Simplified Explanation:

This patent application describes a self-cleaning conduit for hydrocarbon fluids, made of a tube with a unique interior surface. The tube is made of a shape memory alloy or a combination of two metals with different coefficients of thermal expansion. The interior surface of the tube features recesses and protrusions within the flow passage, allowing for self-cleaning properties. The conduit contortion factor ranges from 0.2°F to 14°F, and can be either elastic or due to thermal expansion.

The conduit is made of a tube with a unique interior surface for self-cleaning properties.
The tube is made of a shape memory alloy or a combination of metals with different coefficients of thermal expansion.
Recesses and protrusions on the interior surface aid in self-cleaning.
The conduit contortion factor ranges from 0.2°F to 14°F, and can be elastic or due to thermal expansion.

Potential Applications:

This technology could be used in oil and gas pipelines, chemical processing plants, and other industries where the self-cleaning properties of the conduit are beneficial.

Problems Solved:

This technology addresses the issue of buildup and blockages in conduits carrying hydrocarbon fluids, reducing maintenance and improving efficiency.

Benefits:

The self-cleaning conduit reduces the need for manual cleaning, decreases downtime, and improves the overall flow of hydrocarbon fluids.

Commercial Applications:

Potential commercial applications include oil and gas transportation, chemical processing, and other industries where the efficient flow of hydrocarbon fluids is essential.

Prior Art:

Prior research in the field of self-cleaning conduits for various fluids may provide additional insights into the development of this technology.

Frequently Updated Research:

Stay updated on advancements in shape memory alloys, metal combinations, and self-cleaning technologies for conduits to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of this innovation.

Questions about Self-Cleaning Conduits: 1. How does the self-cleaning mechanism of the conduit work? 2. What are the potential cost savings associated with using a self-cleaning conduit for hydrocarbon fluids?

Original Abstract Submitted

A self-cleaning conduit for a hydrocarbon fluid. The conduit includes a tube having an interior surface defining a flow passage for the hydrocarbon fluid. The tube is formed of (i) a shape memory alloy or (ii) a first metal and a second metal having a coefficient of thermal expansion different from the first metal. At least one of a plurality of recesses and a plurality of protrusions are formed on the interior surface of the tube within the flow passage. The tube is characterized by a conduit contortion factor (CCF) from two tenths degrees Fahrenheit (0.2° F.) to fourteen degrees Fahrenheit (14° F.), and the conduit contortion factor (CCF) is one of an elastic conduit contortion factor (CCF) and thermal expansion conduit contortion factor (CCF).